Do Not Resuscitate Order (definition of)
A "Do Not Resuscitate" or DNR order is necessary in order for patients with a terminal illness like mesothelioma to be allowed to die in the United States; otherwise, the body will be hooked up to a range of devices in order to keep biological functions going. Ironically, it was the wish of the late Terri Schiavo to be disconnected from such machinery should she have wound up in the condition that she did; however, her husband was convinced to have the DNR order on file rescinded by the nursing home staff, ostensibly on religious grounds (but more likely for the continuing income); the sad result was a political fiasco.
The Schiavo case points up the importance of having a solid DNR in place beforehand.
The DNR is a clear instruction to medical personnel that should the primary suffer a condition that causes an interruption of biological functions, they are not under any circumstances to take "extraordinary means" to revive him/her. Although anyone can have such a document drawn up, it is usually employed by those who suffer from a terminal and debilitating disease.
It is best to have a licensed attorney include a DNR as part of a Living Will. This is an advance health care directive providing specific orders to caregivers in case the primary should become incapacitated; however, this can also be drawn up as a stand alone document.
Although the law governing DNRs vary from state to state, there are some requirements common to all jurisdictions. In general, it must be signed by the primary or his/her legal representative (usually a spouse or adult offspring) and in some jurisdictions, a physician as well. It must explicitly limit what action medical personnel can take in the event that the patient becomes incapacitated.
Although family members may be reluctant to see this done, it should be noted that the success rate for the vast majority of resuscitation measures does not exceed ten percent. Patients who are successfully revived usually die later in any event, or are permanently impaired.
